Director Jacques Audiard and cast members Zoe Saldana and Selena Gomez pose during a photocall for ‘Emilia Perez’ at the 77th Cannes Film Festival
| Photo Credit: STEPHANE MAHE
As the controversy surrounding Emilia Pérez star Karla Sofía Gascón intensifies, co-star Zoe Saldaña and director Jacques Audiard have publicly distanced themselves from the actress following the resurfacing of her past social media posts, which have been criticised for Islamophobic rhetoric. The backlash has cast a shadow over the film’s historic Oscar campaign, which includes 13 nominations, making it the most-nominated non-English language film in Academy Awards history.
In an interview for Variety’s Awards Circuit Podcast, Saldaña expressed her sadness over the situation, emphasising that the film was made with inclusivity and love at its core.
“I’m sad. Time and time again, that’s the word because that is the sentiment that has been living in my chest since everything happened,” she said. “I’m also disappointed. I can’t speak for other people’s actions. All I can attest to is my experience, and never in a million years did I ever believe that we would be here.”
Audiard, the film’s director, has taken an even firmer stance, stating in an interview with Deadline that he has severed ties with Gascón.
“I haven’t spoken to her, and I don’t want to,” Audiard said. “She is in a self-destructive approach that I can’t interfere in, and I really don’t understand why she’s continuing. Why is she harming herself? Why? I don’t understand it, and what I don’t understand about this too is why she’s harming people who were very close to her.”
Gascón, who made history as the first openly transgender performer to be nominated for an Oscar in an acting category, has continued to make media appearances despite the controversy, including an emotional interview with CNN. She has refused to withdraw from Oscar contention, further complicating the film’s awards season campaign.
Saldaña, who stars alongside Gascón, Selena Gomez, Adriana Paz, and Édgar Ramírez, has refrained from commenting on whether she has spoken to Gascón directly. When asked about Gascón’s claim that she and Gomez “support me 200%,” Saldaña did not confirm the statement, instead reiterating her stance against discrimination.
“I do not support any negative rhetoric of racism and bigotry towards any group of people,” she said. “That is what I want to stand for.”
Despite the controversy, Saldaña remains committed to celebrating the film’s achievements and the hard work of its cast and crew.
“I will always be a hopeful person,” she shared. “While being that person, I can still stand by a body of work that I can be proud of.”
As Emilia Pérez continues its awards season journey, Saldaña and Audiard will proceed with their promotional commitments, while Gascón’s involvement remains uncertain.
Published – February 06, 2025 11:59 am IST
